How should I get a very casual, plain looking makeup style. (with brown eyes/hair and pale skin)

Props for T&S picture

Use a foundation/powder that is very very close to your skin tone. Use some mascara on your lashes, and go with a clear gloss.

I’m interested in that same sort of clean look for day-to-day, except even mineral powder looks like I’ve “got something” on my face. And I have a few scars that I am having a problem covering.

What are you all using that looks as if it’s natural? Too matte shows itself as does too creamy.

Along with @chelseababyy‘s suggestion, I also recommend using a light brown eyeliner with everything else she suggested. No one will even be able to tell you’re wearing eyeliner (because of your brown eyes and hair), but it will look really subdued and completely natural, but still make your eyes stand out a little.

@DrasticDreamer Yes! Good point!

Also, it’s all about being able to blend in the powder/foundation really well. There are tons of videos and tutorials on how to do so.

I swear by tinted moisturizer. It blends right in. Plus with mascara, I only do the top lashes and the outer edge (sometimes) of the bottom. I also stick with neutrals for day. I love tinted lip gloss too- it just gives a bit of color and doesn’t feather.

Thanks everyone, these are some good ideas. This is similar to what I have been trying to do. Some foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. I had been trying blush lately too, but I will try backing off it again, because it doesn’t look right, and sounds like I don’t need it for the look I want.

I think maybe @chelseababyy you are on to something I should try, changing the color of my foundation, it is pretty close, but not very very. Maybe that would make it look better.

@DrasticDreamer How exactly would you use the brown eyeliner. Above the lashes, or on the water line? Top, bottom, or both lids? I always try to use eyeliner, but it always looks like crap. Is there any secret I should know of making it look good?

@gemiwing Would tinted mousturizer work if I have less-than-perfect skin?

Any other suggestions are totally welcome!

@yellowpoppy How big are your eyes? If they’re somewhat big, you can get away with putting it on the top and bottom. But, for the look you’re going for, I would suggest adding it to only the top. When you apply it, you want to start from the inner corners and work your way out to the edges. It’s easiest to get a smooth line that way. If you’re finding it difficult to get a smooth line, try throwing your eyeliner in the freezer for a half hour to an hour. I also don’t suggest getting waterproof – it’s too difficult to correct mistakes with.

I don’t really use make up regularly, but what I do use is from benefit. I use tinted moisturizer, a concealer and a compact to “set” as necessary to create a more even skin tone, and I find that it gives me a smooth clean look. Most people are surprised to learn that I’m wearing anything at all.
(edit: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com)

@yellowpoppy I have horrid skin most days so the tinted moisturizer should work for you- unless you’re quite oily. In that case you’ll need a powder to set.

It’s hard to find a photo that’s not retouched, but I think this still captures the look. When I saw New Moon, I noticed Kristen Stewart had on very natural looking makeup to appear that she was wearing none. She definitely had on some kind of foundation/powder and some blush, subtle lip tint, mascara, maybe a brown liner along the lashline, and light brown eyeshadow around her eyes. It makes them stand out and remove a tired/washed out look that some people have with no makeup.

Bobby Brown tends to be very natural looking. You could get a make-over at their counter to understand better how the colors show up on your face, and then if it is too pricey to buy all of their products you can get some of the basics and add more items from the drug store. You might want to spring for the foundation and blush from Bobby Brown, and buy the lipsticks, liners, and shadows from loreal or some other more affordable brand.

@yellowpoppy Exactly. Try to get as close as possible, because even the slightest shade up could make you look tanner than you are and if you want the “washed out” look, that’s no bueno.

In reference to the blush thing: it’s possible you may be wearing the wrong shade of blush!

I look horribly made up with a blush with pink undertones, but one with orange/peach undertones, applied with a light hand, makes me look less dead/sick. :P

So the question is: do you have yellow or pink undertones to your skin? If you have some yellow in your skin, peach blush is the way to go! If you have pink, than a pink or similar color will be best on you.

On most days, all I wear is blush and mascara, but I have heard good things about tinted moisturizer. mark (by Avon), has good prices on lots of makeup, including tinted moisturizer with spf (in the link). You could try mark’s, and if you like it, try “upgrading” to a more expensive brand.